House Dems call it a day

income tax a question

Unable to decide whether to support an income tax increase, House Democrats left the statehouse for the day and put off until this weekend the question of filling a huge state budget deficit.

The surprise move came after a raucous, closed-door meeting among the Democrats, who hold a majority in the House. It also left unresolved questions about several ethics proposals still pending in the House, including a proposal for limiting campaign donations.

The legislature faces a Sunday night adjournment deadline, and House members were to return to the Capitol tomorrow.